Is It Safe to Give Benadryl to Kids to Help Them Sleep?

Getting your kids to wind down or sleep through the night doesn’t always go as smoothly as you hope. These bedtime struggles have led many parents to try over-the-counter (OTC) treatments like melatonin for their kids. But can an antihistamine like Benadryl also do the trick? 

Benadryl is commonly used as a short-term sleep aid for adults, but is it safe to give it to kids? Let’s take a closer look at whether you should consider Benadryl to help your child get a good night’s sleep.

What is Benadryl?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a common OTC antihistamine. It’s often used to treat symptoms of allergies or allergic reactions. Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Benadryl is also sometimes used to help with nausea or motion sickness. 

It’s a first-generation antihistamine, meaning it’s a much older medication that’s prone to making you drowsy. Second-generation antihistamines don’t tend to have that effect.

Can you give your child Benadryl to help them sleep?

Experts do not consider Benadryl a safe sleep aid for children under age 12. That age limit is in place due to safety concerns. No matter how old your child is, you should always contact your provider for guidance on whether it’s safe for your child to use Benadryl for sleep.

Children are more likely to have the opposite effect when taking Benadryl for sleep. This means Benadryl may not relax them, instead, it can stimulate them. This can cause them to feel more alert, nervous, or agitated — all of which can lead to trouble sleeping. 

When should you give your kid Benadryl?

It’s not a good idea to use Benadryl as a sleep aid for kids. But it can be used to treat a variety of symptoms and conditions. This includes:

• Allergy symptoms (like runny nose and sneezing)

• Hives

• Itching

• Allergic reactions

• Nausea

• Motion sickness

Types of Benadryl for kids

Benadryl is available as an oral, liquid, and chewable medication for children. Benadryl is a brand name, but you may also see the generic version — diphenhydramine. 

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Other products, like OTC cold medications, may contain multiple ingredients — including diphenhydramine. So it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for this ingredient if you’re considering giving Benadryl separately. You will need to make sure the total dose of diphenhydramine is appropriate for your child so you don’t accidentally give too much.

How much Benadryl can children take?

Keep in mind that experts do not recommend Benadryl as a sleep aid for children. So the suggested dosing is to treat allergy symptoms. You can calculate the dose of Benadryl for your child based on their age:

• Children ages 6 to 11: You can give 12.5 mg of Benadryl as needed for mild allergy symptoms. If the symptoms are severe, you may give up to 25 mg.

• Children ages 12 and up: You can start with 25 mg of Benadryl in most cases.

Children can receive a dose every 4 to 6 hours. Children should not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours.

To make sure Benadryl is safe for your child — at any dose — always check with your child’s medical provider first.

Is Benadryl safe for kids?

In general, Benadryl is considered safe for kids older than 6 years old. Experts do not recommend Benadryl for children under 6 without guidance from a healthcare provider. 

Benadryl can be used to treat certain conditions in kids. But second-generation antihistamines, like loratadine (Claritin), tend to be safer and have fewer side effects. 

What are the side effects of Benadryl in kids?

A common side effect of Benadryl is drowsiness. But, in some kids, it can cause excitability or agitation. Other side effects include:

• Dry mouth, nose, and throat

• Dizziness

• Nervousness

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Decreased appetite

• Constipation

• Headache

• Muscle weakness

What should you do if you give a child too much Benadryl?

Call your local poison control hotline if you think you gave your child too much Benadryl. In most cases, up to a double dose of Benadryl likely won’t be life-threatening. But seek medical attention if you notice that it’s hard to wake your child or if your child has extreme dry mouth or vomiting. 

If your child has taken a lot of Benadryl or you aren’t sure how much your child has taken, it’s best to bring them in for an evaluation. An overdose of Benadryl can cause serious side effects and may require close monitoring. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and get medical attention.

Safe Benadryl alternatives to help children sleep

If your child has trouble sleeping, ask their healthcare provider for the best treatment options. Here are some tips to promote good sleep for your child:

• Establish a consistent and soothing bedtime routine.

• Try to stick with a consistent bedtime and wake time.

• Keep your child from becoming overtired.

• Avoid screen use 1 hour before bedtime.

• Make sure your child has had a nutritious meal or snack within 2 hours of bedtime.

• Encourage plenty of activity and exposure to light during the day. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Louisa Salisbury, MD

Louisa Salisbury, MD, is a licensed, board-certified general pediatrician. She received a bachelor’s degree in human development from the University of California, San Diego, and obtained her medical degree from the University of Vermont Robert Larner College of Medicine.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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